Lee Earnest "Red" Betts was born January 14, 1954 to the late James Betts and Beatrice Metcalf Betts.  He departed this life October 14, 2020 at Henry Ford Mc Comb Hospital in Clinton Township, MI after a brief illness.

He was reared in the Verona, MS community and received his education in the Verona School system. In 1974, he moved to Mt Clemens, MI.  To his family and friends, he was known as "Big Red" meaning he was a lover of food.  He enoyed cooking and turned his passion into a career.  He became a Chef at Big Boy Restaurant in Mt. Clemens, MI for 30 years, before retiring in 2009.  During his early years, he enjoyed returning to Mississippi to visit his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sisters: Emma Pannell, Cora Long, Velma Betts, Agnew Betts, Laura Beene and Louanner Carruthers; his brothers: Andrew WrightSr., Willie A. Betts, and John Bette.

His memories will be cherished by his two sisters: Ruth Faye Betts of Mt. Clemens, MI and Roberta (Willie) McMcKinney of Memphis, TN; his four brothers: Herbert Betts and Willie Betts both of Mt Clemens, MI, Curtis and Henry Betts both of Tupelo, MS; his aunt: Annie Swingrum of Grand Rapids, MI; his sister-in-law: Gladys Betts of Tupelo, MS; his extended family: Gary Wayne (Almeta) Trice, Larry Riley, and Jessie Shell; in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.